Petrie scores last 7 points; Lafayette beats American 70-68

EASTON, Pa. (AP) — Alex Petrie scored the last seven points of the game that included a layup with 3.3 seconds left to lift Lafayette to a 70-68 victory over American on Wednesday night.

Sa’eed Nelson’s half-court shot for American hit the back of the rim at the buzzer.

Paulius Zalys scored 19 points to lead the Leopards (10-16, 7-8 Patriot League), who have won five straight for the first time since the 2012-13 season. Petrie finished with 14 points. Justin Jaworski added 13 points and Lukas Jarrett had 11 points.

The Leopards improve to 2-0 against the Eagles on the season. Lafayette defeated American 84-79 on Jan. 19. Lafayette takes on Bucknell on the road on Sunday. American plays Army on the road on Sunday.